‘52 Things I Love About You’ Ideas & Tips

Over the summer I posted ‘52 Things I Love About You’ Deck of Cards Album, a gift I made for my husband for our wedding anniversary. Lately, I have people asking how to come up with 52 reasons I love my husband. So I created a list of over 50 to get you started or if you are running out of ideas.

It took me a while to write down 52 things. Trust me, I love my husband, but coming up with 52 reasons written in such few words was not easy. My best advice is to think about little things, be specific. Some times one thing can be broken into 2 or 3. For example, don’t just say, “You are a great dad to our kids”. You can also break it down into the little things he does with the kids: Read bedtime stories, always wants to hold them, the way he looks at them, etc. Also be creative and personal. Put something silly he does all the time or even something that mildly irritates you. Make it personal!

{Make a couple different fonts for the different reasons. Maybe having a silly font for the more silly reasons and a “serious” font for more “serious” reasons}

{Make the last one say ‘You said ‘I Do’ X years ago” and put the date}

You make our house a home

You don’t mind that I take up most of the closet

You always make me coffee when i want it

You are the best spider killer

You always take care of me when I’m sick

You can finish my sentences

You know me so well, you could order for me at our favorite resturant

You know what all of my favorite things are

You let me change the channel when it’s half time of a sports game

You help me do the dishes after dinner

You kiss our daughter (or son) goodnight and tuck her in for the both of us

You remind me everyday that your love for me is endless

You leave me notes in my lunch reminding me to smile

You make the bed even if I didn’t tell you too

You always put gas in my car because you know I don’t like to do it

I love how you bring me home dessert when you return from a business dinner

You are kind to my friends

You are loving and respectful towards my parents and grandparents

You give the best advice and perspective

You make any story more entertaining when you tell it

You encourage me to follow my dreams

You let me dress you

You still get me Mothers Day cards from our dogs even though we have a human baby now

You compliment meals I put a lot of effort into making, even when they do not turn out so great

You clean the disgusting hair clogs (of mine) from the tub drain

You still tear up when you think of Dakota (our fantastic dog who died 4 years ago)

You let me see you cry

You tuck me into bed and say our goodnight talk when your not going to bed with me

You want to spend your lunch breaks with me everyday and get sad when we don’t

Your always optimistic for the both of us

You always do the yard work

You’ll eat the things I don’t like

You’ll help me reach things on the top shelf

You still like to cuddle

You always say my cooking is great (even if its sub par)

You’ll give me massages even when I don’t ask

You always sweep off my car in the winter

You think your farts are hilarious

I love that I can trust you with my heart.

I love you because you love my kids like they are yours.

I love you because you never walk in front of me.

I love you because you adore my friends.

I love you because you make me laugh.

I love you because you tell me everyday that I am your girl

your goofy car dancing

that face you make when your guilty

you have your priorities straight

You still say I’m beautiful when I’ve been up for days with no makeup with the kids.

You let me sleep when you know the boys kept me up all night.

You miss my cold feet at night if they’re not on you.

You take out the trash.

You sing and make inappropriate jokes when you get nervous.

You don’t complain when I shop.

You tell me I’m beautiful even when I’m pregnant and don’t feel beautiful.

You go for walks.

You go flee market shopping.

I love you because you clean the goop off the dogs eyes.

You are kind to animals.

Your grin when I am annoying or pestering you.

You’re easy to scare.

You can watch a movie you’ve seen many times, and you still react like it’s the first time you’ve seen it.

You use sound effects to tell a story.

You always make time for me

You still look at me the way you did when you first told me you were in love

You call me princess

You open the car door for me still

You’ve never given up on me

Your here through good times and bad

I love your beard

I love your snuzzle hair. (aka bed head)

Our inside jokes

The face you make when you get caught snacking before dinner.

You stuck by me when nobody else has

You still give me butterflies everyday.

You listen to me complain.

You say your sorry when you know I am right, which is always.

You don’t change my music in the car.

You let me pick the movie most always.

You always call me baby.

love your beard

I love your snuzzle hair. (aka bed head)

Our inside jokes

The face you make when you get caught snacking before dinner

You’re not afraid to say you’re sorry.

You unclog the toilet so I don’t have to do it since you know I get grossed out easily.

You are passionate.

You take my breath away.

You proudly attend all of our children’s many activities.

You decorate our house for the holidays and actually enjoy doing it.

One reader’s idea instead of a book (LOVE THIS):

During my dad’s last deployment to Iraq, my mom sent him something like this for Valentines Day, except every reason was written on a slip of paper that he could pull out of a jar, She wanted to make one for every day until he came home, so she recruited all the kids (there are 5 of us..what can I say, military families lol). I think that would be a great idea for a 52 Reasons book! PS. He told us that he loved the gift so much, he would pull out 2 or 3 every day

Samantha

Hello! I am Samantha, a mom of three boys, who are very close in age. I have a passion for organizing, cooking, running and DIY projects. I have a growing hobby and love for photography and a crazy obsession with office supplies.

Skittles

December 14, 2011 at 1:15 pm

I have been dating a guy for just 2 months and am planning this for Valentines day in 2 months. He is such a nice guy it was so easy to come up with things. Once I started I realized I had way more than 52!

Caitlin

December 28, 2011 at 8:44 pm

I’m working on this for my husband for our 3rd wedding anniversary in March. I’m up to 40 or so, but looking at this list (and the above comments) have helped me, and I know it’ll be easy to get to 52! :) Thanks so much!!

Angela

January 17, 2012 at 12:53 am

I’m doing this for my husband this Valentine’s day, and 3 of my “pages” will simply be a small picture of each of our children. This is such a cool gift idea, guys don’t ever get to feel really special like we women do, so kudos to you on thinking it up!

Sandy

January 21, 2012 at 9:55 pm

I love this idea and made it tonight. I am NOT crafty, so anyone can do this! I love your suggestions but didn’t see them until I was done. My husband is awesome, and I could have done a couple more decks. What a great way to say thank you!

Hi! I just found this crafty idea on Pinterest yesterday and have been goggling it to see what others have come up with their own creativity! LOVE the idea of putting the kids pictures in with it, and i think i’ll add a reason to their pic of why they love daddy :)

Erin

Andrea

February 14, 2012 at 12:37 pm

1. You always take care of me when I’m sick
2. You can finish my sentences
3. You know me so well, you could order for me at our favorite resturant
4. You know what all of my favorite things are
5. You let me change the channel when it’s half time of a sports game
6. You help me do the dishes after dinner
7. You kiss our daughter (or son) goodnight and tuck her in for the both of us
8. You remind me everyday that your love for me is endless
9. You leave me notes in my lunch reminding me to smile.
10. You make the bed even if I didn’t tell you too

Molly

Brandi

May 14, 2012 at 10:28 am

I’m making this for my husband for our 1 year anniversary. The following are a few more of my ideas:

“You are kind to my friends.”
“You are loving and respectful towards my parents and grandparents.”
“You give the best advice and perspective.”
“You make any story more entertaining when you tell it.”
“You encourage me to follow my dreams.”

Stephanie

May 18, 2012 at 1:59 pm

This is a wonderful idea and really helped me out a lot! An idea I had was making a couple different fonts for the different reasons. Maybe having a silly font for the more silly reasons and a “serious” font for more “serious” reasons. I love this idea and can’t wait to finish mine!

Carrie

June 6, 2012 at 12:31 pm

Thanks for the great suggestions folks. I hit a wall at # 42. Here are a few more luvs for my hub…

you let me dress you.
you still get me mothers day cards from our dogs even though we have a human baby now.
you compliment meals I put a lot of effort into making, even when they do not turn out so great.
you clean the disgusting hair clogs (of mine) from the tub drain.
you still tear up when you think of dakota (our fantastic dog who died 4 years ago).

J

June 25, 2012 at 7:49 pm

During my dad’s last deployment to Iraq, my mom sent him something like this for Valentines Day, except every reason was written on a slip of paper that he could pull out of a jar, She wanted to make one for every day until he came home, so she recruited all the kids (there are 5 of us..what can I say, military families lol). I think that would be a great idea for a 52 Reasons book!

PS. He told us that he loved the gift so much, he would pull out 2 or 3 every day

Shelly

July 20, 2012 at 4:33 pm

I am getting marriend next year and when I saw this I thought that I would do this for our wedding and these are amazing ideas and just thought I would add a few. You let me see you cry, you tuck me into bed and say our goodnight talk when your not going to bed with me, you want to spend your lunch breaks with me everyday and get sad when we dont, your always optimistic for the both of us.

Karissa

July 27, 2012 at 11:58 am

I just finished my boyfriends for his birthday. I am super excited for him to see it. I thought I was going to have a hard time getting to 52 but I was done before I realized it and still had ideas for more things :-)

Rebekah

August 13, 2012 at 9:11 pm

I love this! Just fished mine for my husband for our 5year wedding anniversary and I ended my 52 things I love about u, with “you said I DO 5 years ago”. And put the date! I can’t wait to give it to him this sat!

Andy .T.

September 17, 2012 at 1:40 am

My boyfriend and I of 6+ years are going through a bit of a rough patch right now, so I decided to do this to remind us both of why we fell in love in the first place and why we’ve made it this far. We have a long distance relationship and I’m giving it to him the next time I go visit. I’ve made little things like this for him before and he has kept every single thing I’ve done.

This was also a really nice thing for me to do for him because I was able to reminisce about our relationship. I hope he likes it. :)

Nevada

October 13, 2012 at 2:28 pm

Thank you so much for this list, I know I would have thought of 52 things but I’m terrible at wording so this made it way quicker. I also added the following, and I know that last one just seems gross and I tell him how gross it is but on the inside i’m laughing because he’s just a big kid.

-You always do the yard work
-You’ll eat the things I don’t like
-You’ll help me reach things on the top shelf
-You still like to cuddle
-You always say my cooking is great (even if its sub par)
-You’ll give me massages even when I don’t ask
-You always sweep off my car in the winter
-You think your farts are hilarious

Shirley

Julie

December 28, 2012 at 7:34 pm

Thank you so much for sharing your list ideas. I found jotting down my own list was easier when I did it over the course of a few days instead of brainstorming them all at once. It also helped me notice things my husband did that I sometimes didn’t think much about, having lived together for so many years.

I gave the cards to my husband for Christmas. For the cost of $1 for the cards at the 99-cent store, I was able to give him what he has told me a few times already and even bragged about to his family, is the best Christmas gift he’s ever received….from anyone. That’s much more than I ever expected, and it’s a reminder that most people crave appreciation and affection more than just about anything, ya know?

Taylor

January 15, 2013 at 1:56 pm

i just finished up for my hubby for a valentines day present it was so easy to thing of 52 things theres more that i have going through my head. but this list really helped me and i was able to make each one a little more personal.
Thanks for all the ideas.

Crystal Nutter

January 17, 2013 at 4:27 am

I love you becouse you love my kids like they are yours.
I love you becouse you never walk in front of me.
I love you becouse you adore my friends.
I love you becouse you make me laugh.
I love you becouse you tell me everyday that I am your girl

J

March 16, 2013 at 3:19 am

Trying to get my ex girlfriend back but haven’t seen anything from guys to girlfriend/wives.Sooo can I do this for my girlfriend or am I the only the guy lol. I know my she’ll love this idea. 52 ideas is alot lol.

Ellie

March 22, 2013 at 10:08 pm

My fiance just got a short term job working 10 hours a nights 7 days a week, which leaves us very little time when I work days. I am going to use this idea for notes to stash where he will find them around the house, in his car, his pockets and lunch box during the rest of this job (42 or so more days). Thanks for the great ideas

Clair

January 10, 2014 at 10:58 am

This was so helpful! Working on this for valentines for my husband. I also added
You still say I’m beautiful when I’ve been up for days with no makeup with the kids.
You let me sleep when you know the boys kept me up all night.
You miss my cold feet at night if they’re not on you.
You take out the trash.
You sing and make inappropriate jokes when you get nervous.

Lisa

January 28, 2014 at 4:24 pm

I’m so glad I stumbled across this. I think my husband is going to love this gift. The comments are great too. A few more:
– You don’t complain when I shop.
– You tell me I’m beautiful even when I’m pregnant and don’t feel beautiful.
– You go for walks.
– You go flee market shopping.

Shona

February 13, 2014 at 1:53 am

I have a very sensitive gag reflex, I don’t do slimey. So….I love you because you clean the goop off the dogs eyes.
You are kind to animals.
Your grin when I am annoying or pestering you.
You’re easy to scare.
You can watch a movie you’ve seen many times, and you still react like it’s the first time you’ve seen it.
You use sound effects to tell a story.

Shona

Megan Poulin

April 16, 2014 at 12:19 pm

I’m currently making this for my husband who is currently in Afghanistan right now. It will be our first anniversary next month and I wanted to do something special to remind him that even though he’s been gone for 8 months of our first year married that no matter what he will always be loved! Thank you for the ideas

Carly

February 2, 2015 at 6:56 pm

I have a few ideas
– you always make time for me
– you still look at me the way you did when you first told me you were in love
– you call me princess
– you open the car door for me still
-you’ve never given up on me
-your here through good times and bad

Megan

February 8, 2015 at 8:32 pm

This is such a great idea, I love it! A few you could add!!
You still give me butterflies everyday.
You listen to me complain.
You say your sorry when you know I am right, which is always.
You don’t change my music in the car.
You let me pick the movie most always.
You always call me baby.

Kaylee

Steffy

June 23, 2015 at 6:24 pm

Awesome gift! I made it for hubby’s 51st birthday so I used card #52 for my signature and the date. (I also changed the cover to “51 Things..”) Here are some more ideas:
* You’re not afraid to say you’re sorry.
* You unclog the toilet so I don’t have to do it since you know I get grossed out easily.
* You are passionate.
* You take my breath away.
* You proudly attend all of our children’s many activities.
* You decorate our house for the holidays and actually enjoy doing it.

De'Lois

February 13, 2016 at 10:00 pm

I’m working on mines now to give to my husband for valentine/23rd wedding anniversary. Love it. A few I included: I love your button nose, I love when you fry your special potatoes for me, I love the way we do bible study together, I love how we pray together, I love the way you loved my mom, I added a pic of mom. So many. I can’t wait to give to him I know he’s going to cry.

Nerea

March 15, 2016 at 2:44 pm

Hi! Soon it’s going to be the birthday of the boy I like. Well he is my Scout Monitor, he’s older than me and has a girlfriend. Anyway, we have a really good friendship and I’d like to make him a present like this but the reasons I write down for loving him I don’t want to be them too oversweet or too lovely (you know, he has a gf). Any help or advices for my?

Kaylee

February 13, 2017 at 1:09 am

Okay, so I’m 15 and I met my best friend 10 years ago in kindergarten. Almost 9 months ago we started dating. our first valentine’s day together is coming up and i want to make this for him. i dont know what to say because he has never dated anyone before me so he’s still getting used to it, plus he’s still adjusting to being ‘romantic’ i guess, with his best friend. plus if i say certain things and his dad sees it, he will probably embarrass us for the rest of our lives. (he’s a big burly German guy and he’s terrifying) does this comment even make any sense? I’m barely awake because it 1 am… :/

Yes it makes sense! I would make the different cards just fun things, that even could be viewed as best friend things. Such as things that make you laugh, or little things that make you think of each other. Maybe add memories such as being friends in Kindergarten. If you don’t want to do ‘Reason I love you’ change it to ‘reasons I think of you’ ‘Reasons you are my best friend’, etc. Hope that helps!

Julie

February 14, 2017 at 10:54 pm

I plan on using this beautiful idea for a wedding gift to my future husband, a jar that lasts 365 days a year, and then gets replenished. I loved reading your ideas and others’ ideas; reading them helped me think of my own personal appreciations. Thanks to all.

Rita

June 15, 2018 at 4:43 am

I am Going to complete 25 years of married life next month so this would be very gret idea as I’m doing this for my husband Anniversary and 3 of my “pages” will be a small picture of each of our children.